Back to Chiming In - Steve Gillis, Player Manager
Chiming In - Steve Gillis, Player Manager

Royce Simmons. Dementia diagnosis, love for Panthers & HATE for the beach! | Chiming In EP050

Jun 25, 2026 · 66 min · Ep 21

Royce Simmons is one of the most loved people to have ever played the game of rugby league.


Who could forget the 1991 grand final, when Simmons - in his very last game for the Penrith Panthers - scored two tries in a five star performance to overcome the Canberra Raiders.


Sadly, in recent times, the former NSW and Australian hooker has struggled with health issues and is battling dementia.


But it hasn’t stopped Simmons' zest for life and his desire to raise funds and try and find a cure for the debilitating disease.


In this episode of Chiming In, Simmons talks passionately about his health battles, his love for rugby league and those he has shared his journey with.


But it’s his funny life stories which will have you chuckling as Simmons recalls a career well done.


Simmons also reveals the greatest ever forward he’s ever seen - and it will shock you.


TIMESTAMPS:


00:00 - Start

00:04 - Highlights

01:46 - Diagnosis Dementia

04:16 - Walking

05:06 - Warning Signs / Finding Out

07:01 - Biggest Killer in the World / Stats

08:41 - Treatment for Dementia

10:06 - Treatment in America

11:36 - Dealing / Living With It

12:46 - People Reaching Out

14:03 - Lightbulb Moment for Starting Charity

15:31 - England & Hull Work

18:46 - Raising Money & Marathons

21:56 - "Worst Thing That Could Happen"

25:36 - Nathan Cleary & Current Penrith

26:56 - Penrith Pride

28:31 - Named in His Honour + Retirement / Aged Living Apartments

34:16 - '91 Grand Final + Last Game

37:36 - Promise to Fans + Grand Final Night

39:01 - Growing Up in the Bush

43:46 - Early Sporting Days

46:59 - Pet Horse + Motorbike

50:16 - Meeting His Wife + Meeting in High School

52:46 - Clubs That Almost Signed

56:16 - Comparing Old vs New Players

58:11 - Isaah Yeo / Best Forward Ever

01:02:16 - Upcoming Walks & Fundraisers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from Chiming In - Steve Gillis, Player Manager